Arizona Autism United is celebrating Autism Awareness Month with the grand opening of their new West Valley Center in Avondale, bringing vitally needed diagnostic services, therapy and resources to West Valley families. Families and community leaders are invited to attend the Center’s grand opening on April 25.
The Center, located at 1471 N. Eliseo Felix Jr. Way in Avondale, is the largest expansion in the organization’s 17 years and meets AZA United’s mission of helping as many families as possible receive individualized supports through services such as developmental and psychological assessments, ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, coordinated care through AZA United’s Family Support Specialist program, individual and family counseling, and more.
“We’re excited to expand access to treatment and offer an innovative model of interdisciplinary care that combines behavioral, speech and occupational therapy, as well as counseling support for family members, said Aaron Blocher-Rubin, president and founder of AZA United.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in every 36 children has been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Though due to a lack of access to testing because of distance, cost, or other factors, the number of children with ASD may be higher – a problem that AZA United has tackled head on over the years as they’ve worked to increase access for families across the Valley and the state.
The new facility means an increase in available appointments for testing and services. Its location allows West Valley families to seek assistance close to home while avoiding the sensory overload and anxiety that long car rides can create for individuals with ASD.
“We designed the West Valley Center with the vision of a facility combining best practices and innovative ideas to elevate autism therapy services for families throughout Arizona,” said Blocher-Rubin. “The Center will allow families to get an accurate, timely diagnosis and access to treatment to set children and families up for success.”
The 6,000 square foot facility features therapy rooms with windows, cameras, and open doors to promote transparency, collaboration, and parent involvement in their child’s treatment. Modern lighting systems in the building adjust the amount of blue light exposure clients have each day and functional bathrooms with showers, changing tables for all sizes, and a washer and dryer ensure accessibility for all who visit the Center. The opening of the WVC is possible because of the generosity of hundreds of individual donors and grant contributions from the Phoenix Suns Charities and Devin Booker, BHHS Legacy Foundation, Abbett Family Foundation, Gila River Indian Community and Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust.
Like their existing center, services will be available five days per week by appointment for individuals of all ages. AZA United accepts all Medicaid insurance plans to ensure access to testing and treatment, and those seeking testing can be self-referred or referred from another care provider.